What Do American Elementary Schools Teach in Language Arts?
How Important Is Language Arts in the United States?
American elementary school curricula are generally divided into language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, arts (drawing, music, dance), and physical education. However, the instructional time allocated to language arts far exceeds that of any other subject. American teachers have a certain degree of autonomy in scheduling learning time for each subject. Typically, about two and a half hours per day are devoted to language arts-related instruction, primarily focusing on vocabulary, reading, and writing. Reading and writing exercises are also conducted in subjects like social studies and mathematics, but these are not included in the language arts learning time. If a teacher only spends one and a half hours on language instruction, they must incorporate language arts-related content in elective courses to ensure students have sufficient time for language learning.
From the above introduction, it is evident how highly American elementary education prioritizes language arts. Now, let’s delve into what American elementary school language arts classes actually teach.
①
In American elementary language arts classes, there are many short stories closely related to daily life. Through these stories, children gradually develop sequential thinking. By understanding the order of events and analyzing the beginning, middle, and end of a story, they improve their reading comprehension, better understand texts, extract information, and apply these skills in writing.
While reading and organizing information, children learn to efficiently process information by sequencing and categorizing. They learn to analyze the start and end of events, develop logical thinking and cognition, and cultivate good reading habits. At the same time, they learn to express themselves clearly in writing and communication.
②
Categorical Thinking: Helping Children Identify Commonalities and Distinguish Characteristics
Children under the age of three often handle objects randomly according to their preferences. They do not intentionally group fruits and snacks together or place pencils and books in the same category. To help children develop categorical thinking and distinguish the characteristics of different things, they learn through reading to find commonalities among different objects and view the same things from different perspectives.
In first-grade language arts classes, children are already able to analyze sentences from texts, such as identifying “His muscles seemed to be made of steel” as an exaggerated descriptive sentence, while “He is very tall and strong” is a simple descriptive sentence. When telling stories, they use vivid and exaggerated language, while they use plain and straightforward expressions when stating objective facts.
③
Causal Thinking: Helping Children Identify Causes and Effects
Our teachers use classroom activities to train children’s logical thinking skills. They employ teaching materials or animated videos to help children analyze what happened first and what led to subsequent outcomes. After analysis, children express their own thoughts.
In reading classes, through questions familiar and interesting to children, systematic training in causal thinking helps improve reading comprehension. Children are guided to use the correct思维方式 to identify the causes of events and analyze why certain outcomes occurred.
④
Understanding Appearance and Symbolism: Helping Children Develop a Love for Literature and Life
American classrooms are not as rigid and restrictive as traditional Chinese classrooms. In American classrooms, learning poetry and drama involves unique methods and steps. Teachers use interesting approaches to combine poetry with music, colors, and pictures.
Many parents in China agree with American educational philosophies, believing that American education positively influences children’s problem-solving skills, analytical and summarization abilities, and innovation.
WISE adheres to American, or Western, educational philosophies because, like parents, we want children to have access to the best learning resources and education.
Tips：
In the United States, language arts is not called “English” but “English Language Arts.” It mainly integrates reading, writing, literary appreciation, and other content. Language arts courses not only启蒙 children’s language skills but also cultivate their emotional expression, understanding of context, and literary appreciation abilities.
The main purpose of learning language arts is to help children master correct thinking patterns and develop lifelong thinking habits.
Who Are We? Wise Inspirational International Ltd.
WISE Education is currently the most professional and influential international K-12 online education platform in China.
Our team is co-founded by overseas returnee education experts, well-known online education institutions, and authoritative figures in domestic internet education. We are committed to bringing the highest quality international K-12 education to Chinese students through the internet.
Wise Online English provides educational courses for children aged 5–18, including international phonics, American K-12 online subject-based English, credit courses directly recognized by renowned American and Western high schools, study abroad test preparation, and practical everyday English.
Wise Inspirational International Ltd
Beijing · Zhongguancun Internet Education Innovation Center
